MedMira files patent for at-home HIV, hepatitis tests

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., March 23 - MedMira, Inc. has filed a provisional patent application for a system that enables over-the-counter home testing and diagnosis of infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis C and other medical conditions.

MedMira's OTC system contains everything necessary to obtain definitive test results and support the consumer, with confidential counseling and medical referrals, according to a company news release.

MedMira was the first company to introduce an OTC rapid HIV test, in Hong Kong and Macao in 2005, and has used this experience to develop an advanced all-inclusive, consumer-focused home diagnostic system, the release said.

MedMira said it plans on introducing its home-use HIV diagnostic system in global markets, including the United States.

The Food and Drug Administration is developing requirements to support the approval of OTC home-use HIV tests, which will allow manufacturers to bring such tests to the U.S. market.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that of the 1 million people infected with HIV in the United States, about 25% are unaware of their HIV status.

MedMira develops in-vitro flow-through rapid diagnostic tests. Its corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Halifax, N.S., with a representative office in Guilin, China.

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